The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Town and country. While driving 5 mph, the contact heard a groaning sound coming from the steering column when making turns. The power steering fluid level decreased due to a leak. The dealer stated that the seals for the rack and pinion steering failed and the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. As of December 19, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. Failure mileage was 26,000 and current mileage was 34,500. Updated01/08/08 updated

- South Lyon, MI, USA

Events leading up to failures on 2.28.07, I purchased a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country lxi with 56,000 miles from arlington Acura in palatine, il after a carchex inspection & test drive. Upon driving home to Minnesota that day on interstate expressways, I encountered two major mechanical problems: Failure, consequences & repairs 1. shuddering & leaking rack & pinion - dealer advised these are common failures for this model and recommended replacement for $800 asap because a dry cylinder will lock the steering column. Chrysler will not replace under it's 7/70 powertrain warranty, so I will have to pay this when I get the money. 2. jerking transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd gear - during four visits, dealer attempted to find cause, spending $3,000 in warranty repairs. They said Chrysler's star tech service told them this was "a known problem for which there is no current fix." A subsequent E-mail from me (the owner) to Chrysler resulted in a boilerplate letter saying the problem was a dealer issue. My wife has cancer and a heart condition and cannot bear the strain of a malfunctioning transmission on her "new" car.

- St. Paul, MN, USA

: the contact stated while driving 35 mph on normal road conditions, the steering system started making a loud noise while turning. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic, who determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Also, the hydraulic pump should be replaced to prevent a major failure due to noticed metal shavings. Neither the dealership nor the manufacturer had been contacted. The contact expressed concern because the vehicle had little use and should not have this safety defect.

- Pasadena, TX, USA

: the contact stated while starting the vehicle and turning the steering wheel a loud noise was observed. There were no warning lights illuminated. After driving at no particular speed the noise was intermittently present and the steering wheel became hard to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealership several times, however the problem could not be duplicated. When the warranty terminated the dealership determined the steering rack had to be replaced at the contact expenses. A recall letter # 04V386000 was received and the dealership performed the required replacement of the hoses, piping and fittings indicated in the letter. After a year the defect intermittently recurred with the same symptoms as before but this time the air bag warning light illuminated consistently. The dealership determined that the steering rack had to be replaced again but later advised to replace the entire steering system. The manufacturer was contacted who open a case, however a call back has not been received. The contact was very concern for the safety risk entailed in the vehicle's operation.

- O'fallon, MO, USA

Rack and pinion unit on 2003 Town and country with 42000 miles had to be replaced due to an internal failure.

- Ronkonkoma, NY, USA

While driving and turning a loud squeaking noise was heard from the front. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering pump/ rack and pinion, and hoses were replaced. Also, mechanic informed consumer that the vehicle was operating as designed. Consumer advised the mechanic that problem recurred, and had not been resolved.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

Power steering pump has been replaced 2 times and fluid has been replaced 3 times.cooler lines for pump have been replaced.rack & pinion has been replaced. Problem still there.power steering makes loud whining and moaning noise. All this over 2 months 21193-23700 miles.

- Summerville, SC, USA